Brixton

The Basics

Stroll down Electric Avenue, Brixton’s main shopping street and you’ll find an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, hip bars, contemporary art galleries, and pop-up restaurants. Brixton Village arcade is crammed with ethnic restaurants; the lively Brixton Market is held daily; and a number of farmers’ markets, flea markets, and handicrafts markets are held throughout the year. Additional highlights of Brixton include the neighborhood’s colorful murals and graffiti art, and a vibrant nightlife and live music scene.

Immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of the area on a guided walking tour. Private and group tours introduce guests to the best food and drinks served in Brixton, and highlight the area’s arts heritage with stops to check out murals, graffiti, and legendary music venues.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Brixton is a must-visit for those with an interest in modern London history.

• The area is also a big draw for foodies and fans of the arts.

• Some people familiar with its past may be wary of Brixton, but the area has cleaned up a lot over the years and is safe and welcoming.

How to Get There

Brixton has its own tube station, in the heart of the commercial area. Brixton Station is the final stop at the southern end of the Victoria Line. Multiple bus routes (night and day) run from central London, including the No. 3 from Trafalgar Square.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Brixton is summer, when open-air music festivals take place throughout the area and warm temperatures draw bar drinkers outside to soak up the sun. The weekend is the best time to enjoy the nightlife and markets.

Musical History

Brixton, the birthplace of David Bowie (immortalized in a giant mural opposite the tube station) has a strong musical heritage. It has been mentioned in songs, including Eddy Grant’s smash “Electric Avenue” as well as The Clash’s “Guns of Brixton.” The O2 Brixton Academy—one of London’s best-loved music venues since it opened in 1983—has hosted performers from The Smiths to Madonna.

Is Brixton worth visiting?

Yes, this part of South London isn’t only vibrant and down-to-earth, but it also feels far off the typical Big Ben, Tower of London tourist track. Brixton is known for its multicultural population, reflected in local cuisine, which includes Afro-Caribbean communities dating back to the Windrush Generation and a large Portuguese community.

How can I spend a day in Brixton?

Start your day in Brixton with a visit to the Black Cultural Archives heritage center dedicated to documenting the stories of British people of Caribbean and African descent. (It’s not open daily, so do plan accordingly.) Afterward, go to Brixton Village to explore artisan finds and global food options.

Does Brixton have good places to eat?

Yes, Brixton is a culinary melting pot, with diverse dishes to please even the most discerning palates. Local favorites include Kata Kata, serving up inventive Cameroonian cuisine, Caribbean-style jerk chicken over at Fish Wings & Tings, and Naughty Piglets, known for its traditional British fare with a nod to global fusions.

Does Brixton have any outdoor attractions?

Yes, head over to Brockwell Park, located just south of Brixton. Hilly and filled with oak trees and meadows, it’s the perfect place to spend that rare London sunny day. Or stay local and check out Brixton’s street art. Colorful murals include a punky portrait of Brixton native, David Bowie.

Is Brixton safe?

Yes, mostly—while Brixton once had a reputation for crime in past decades, visitors are unlikely to encounter any problems these days. That said, it’s a good idea to take the usual precautions as you would in any big city. (Don’t walk alone late at night and don’t flash your valuables.)

Should I visit Brixton on a guided tour?

Yes, while it’s easy to visit Brixton independently (with a tube stop on the Victoria Line), a guided tour is a great way to explore. Whether you’re taking in street art, ducking into eateries on a food crawl, or revisiting its music history, a tour lets you experience Brixton like a local.

Ways to explore

If you want to see an unpolished London neighborhood where everyday Londoners live and play, Brixton is a great choice. It’s central, easily accessible, and offers a snapshot of London multiculturalism.

Typical Brixton activities include shopping or eating Caribbean or African cuisine at Brixton Market, catching a film at the independent Ritzy Cinema, or enjoying live music at the O2 Academy Brixton. If you want the lowdown on the neighborhood’s immigration history and its controversial transformation from gritty zone to trendy outpost, a tour is ideal. Options focused on history, street art, food, and (Brixton-born) David Bowie are all in the mix.

Accessibility

Brixton tube station has mini ramps and an elevator for step-free access to street level.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards for shops, cash for smaller vendors, a secure bag

What to wear

Anything to match Brixton’s low-key, casual vibe

Not allowed

Avoid flashing around expensive gadgets or jewelry

Amenities

ATMs, cinema, restaurants, market stalls, public restrooms at Brixton Market, Electric Avenue, Morley’s, and Pope’s Road, shops

Address

Brixton is in the central Zone 2 for transport. While it’s a long walk from London’s centrally located attractions, it’s an easy walk from nearby Ruskin Park or Brockwell Lido.

Driving

You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable, for your vehicle. Even with these measures, Brixton is still busy with traffic, so it’s wise to leave the car behind.

Public transportation

Take the tube to Brixton Underground station via the Victoria line. Plenty of buses go to Brixton Underground station, but if you’re coming from central London, the No. 159 or No. 176 services are popular options. You can also take the overground trains from London Victoria to Brixton Station.

Best times to visit

Brixton is at its best when it’s lively, so visit on a weekend in the early evening to experience all the fun things it has to offer.

Best days to visit

Weekends offer more entertainment than weekdays.

Best months to visit

While the summer is busier, there’s more going on in the peak months of July and August. Additionally, the weather is ideal for pleasant outdoor swimming at Brockwell Lido.

Special events

Brixton Disco Festival (early May) and Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park (early June) are two popular annual events. There are other smaller music festivals held throughout the summer in Brockwell Park, which are advertised by the Brockwell Live organization.